Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the thickness of an article having upper and lower surfaces and substantial length and width dimensions, such as a sheet or plate of aluminum or another metal. A table is provided for supporting the article, and one or more openings across the length and width of the table provide access to the lower surface of the article. The table has a plurality of thickness references, each of which has an upper and a lower surface, and the thickness references are spaced across the width of the table at or near a first end. A plurality of pairs of opposed sensors are mounted at spaced intervals on a carriage that extends across the width of the table and is adapted for movement in the longitudinal direction of the table. A first member of each pair of sensors is disposed above the level of the supporting surface of the table opposite a second member that is disposed therebelow.

Abstract: A pallet for use in drying ceramic cards that have product sites thereon, including a body having a plurality of openings therein defined by a series of highways, whereby the openings have the general shape of the product sites; at least one skirt extending perpendicularly from the body contains an open slot or recess located adjacent the front of the body; at least one skirt extending perpendicularly from the body contains an open, rearward facing, elongated slot adjacent the rear end of the body; a series of clusters of holes are provided along the perimeter of the body.

Abstract: An inclined cassette for holding and indexing a stack of planar items. The cassette includes a floor that is inclined at an angle sufficient to overcome the coefficient of friction of the planar items such that they slide to the lowermost corner of the floor. Two upstanding wall portions intersect each other at the lowermost corner to align the cards in a vertical stack, i.e., in a stack at an angle to the vertical. An elongated opening is provided in the wall portions at the corner, which opening extends upwardly from the location of the floor. The cassette further includes a base means for supporting the cassette in the inclined manner and in a manner that precisely locates the cassette for repeatable automatic removal of the planar items from the cassette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the uppermost article from a stack of alternating first and second articles. The apparatus includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of suction devices, the pins and suction devices being supported from the lower side of a support structure. The support structure, with the suction devices and pins, comprise a head or end effector for sequentially removing the alternating articles from the stack. Means are provided for moving the head from the stack to two respective locations for receiving the first and second articles in respective piles of the articles. The stack of alternating articles, and the respective piles of the articles after they are removed from the stack, are preferably held in an inclined cassette that aligns the articles and maintains the articles in alignment.

Abstract: Portable machining apparatus includes a spindle, a milling cutter located at one end of the spindle, and air operated means for rotating the spindle. The apparatus includes further means for supporting the same on a structure containing a portion to be machined, and means for translating the spindle and cutter to and from the structure and portion.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for friction joining metal pieces to an electrical conductor while the conductor is carrying electrical current. The apparatus comprises a spindle adapted to receive and to hold a metal piece in a forward end thereof for rotation against the conductor, and structure is provided for translating the spindle toward and away from the conductor. An air operated motor and flywheel are provided for rotating the spindle, and structure is provided for supporting the apparatus on the conductor.

Abstract: A safety hook device used to couple with objects to be transported overhead is disclosed having a coupling rod at least partially enclosed within a rotatable housing when coupled with the object so that the danger of involuntary uncoupling is lessened. This invention is also adapted to provide for automatic coupling and/or uncoupling.